On a late Sunday night in February 2014, 20-year-old Virginia Union University sophomore Kahron Michael Lee was shot in the back and killed while walking back to his apartment after a study session. The shooting happened around 11:50 p.m. at The Birches apartment complex at West Graham Road and Langston Avenue. Kahron, a Computer Information Systems major and former T.C. Williams High School track and field standout in the high jump, had been active on the Virginia Union track team and had told people he hoped to work for Google.

According to investigators, the confrontation began when an individual demanded Kahron’s Nike Air Jordan shoes; as he tried to flee he was shot. Several people were seen leaving the area after the shooting. The campus held a prayer vigil as classmates and family mourned the loss of the first-born son, described as a good kid who wasn’t involved in trouble.

Police arrested 19-year-old Willie Daquan Lee of Richmond; in June he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, robbery, and two felony firearms counts, with the motive cited as stealing Kahron’s sneakers. In November 2014 he was sentenced to 44 years in prison.

If anyone knew Kahron or has information about the events that night, please share what might help his family and the community.